Professional Mentoring Programme

Linking you to an industry professional who will act as your mentor.
Professional Mentoring Programme

The Professional Mentoring Programme works with eligible University of Plymouth students to raise aspirations and career success.  

The programme matches undergraduate and postgraduate students with experienced professionals for a one to one insight into their specific sector over a six month period. Student mentees will have an opportunity to improve their personal and employability skills, whilst mentors gain personal and professional development. Our mentors are a mix of alumni and non-alumni volunteers, based across the UK and in a range of sectors.

How will I benefit from the Professional Mentoring Programme?

It will give you the opportunity to:

  • receive advice on and clarify your career ideas
  • increase your understanding of your mentor’s job role
  • develop and improve your employability skills
  • develop your professional network
  • gain an insight into your chosen career area
  • have your questions about diversity in the workplace addressed honestly and confidentially.

What will it involve?

The Professional Mentoring Programme takes place from October to April. Once enrolled in the programme, students will be required to:

  • attend an introductory training session
  • we recommend a minimum of six meetings, these are flexible, and are arranged around the mentor’s and mentee’s schedule. Meetings take place once a month and last for one hour. They can be conducted face to face or via email, phone, Skype etc. 
  • be proactive in arranging meetings as well as preparing the meetings
  • complete a Monthly Meetings Feedback sheet following each meeting so we are able to follow your progress
  • attend the Professional Mentoring Introduction Networking Event in November
  • attend the Professional Mentoring Celebration Event which concludes the event in April. This event brings students and mentors together to celebrate achievements and share experiences and feedback. 

Am I eligible to apply?

To be eligible to apply you must:

  • be registered with University of Plymouth as a student with a disability; or as a care leaver; or from a low participation neighbourhood; or a Black, Asian or minority ethnic student
  • have careers, industry, networking or other questions that a mentor could assist you with to help boost your confidence and clarify career ideas
  • be aware it is a six month programme which you are prepared to fully commit to and work around the busier times of your course and your mentor’s schedule.

The Professional Mentoring Programme for 2018-19 is open to student applications! To apply please complete the online student application form. The deadline for applications is Friday 5th October 2018. 

Or contact us at mentoring.careers@plymouth.ac.uk / +44 1752 582004.

 

Mentors

How will I benefit from the programme?

Mentoring undergraduate students at a local university is a rewarding experience.  In addition to working with someone who is hoping to gain an insight into your career area, you will have the opportunity to:

  • develop your coaching skills
  • refresh your own view of work
  • develop undergraduates’ interest in your sector and your business 
  • develop your reflective learning
  • act as a positive role model 
  • increase your awareness of diversity issues             


How can I become a mentor?

We are always looking for enthusiastic mentors who would like to take part in this mutually beneficial programme.  We accept applicants from any job position in any industry, and previous mentoring experience is not necessary.  Full training is offered prior to meeting your student mentee, and support is available from University staff along the way.

If this opportunity would be of interest to you or one of your colleagues, please contact one of our team for further information, or complete the profile above and return to a member of the team.

Contact us at mentoring.careers@plymouth.ac.uk / +44 1752 582004.